East End Comes Together For EMT Paralyzed After Surgery

EAST HAMPTON, NY — For the many who know him on the East End, Randy Hoffman, an EMT working on various ambulance squads and fire departments in the Sag Harbor, East Hampton, and Montauk areas, is the first person to help in a crisis.

But now, Hoffman is the one who desperately needs a helping hand.

Hoffman, his sister Allison Hoffman Stern said on the "Fundraiser for Randy Hoffman's Spinal Injury Recovery" Facebook page "has been responsible for many life saves and countless emergency calls and is known for his skilled response, dedication, and awesome wit."

Her big brother's passion, she said, is building, restoring, and racing vintage motorcycles. Her brother, she added, is well-loved by many.

"Last week Randy had what was supposed to be routine spinal surgery, but suffered unexpected complications, leaving him paralyzed," she said. "Over the week he has regained some use of his arms but is still unable to move his legs."

Hoffman, she said, will soon leave ICU, moving into an inpatient acute care rehabilitation center, where he will have intensive physical therapy for many months.

"It is expected that Randy will need a lot of future care and support after this devastating event," she said.

Hoffman, she added, has two children and is an independent contractor, building kitchens and cabinetry as his primary livelihood, which he will be unable to pursue in the near future. He already has mounting medical bills, as well as rent, car payments, insurance payments and other expenses.

"His road to recovery will be a long and difficult one, but he is strong and motivated and determined to gain back use of his legs and to get back to work, to the squad, and on his bike. Please help Randy to focus on getting better by alleviating some of his financial stress, which is weighing heavily on him," his sister added.